Grief Support

“No rule book. No time frame.
No judgment. Grief is as
individual as a fingerprint.
Do what is right for your soul.”

"The sorrow we feel when we lose a
loved one is the price we pay to have
had them in our lives." - Rob Liano

We are a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.  You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
-----------------------------------
This week at a glance:
English - Wednesdays 7:00 to 8:45 pm in the Ark Room, church building. Walk-ins welcome.
Spanish - Available on request.
-----------------------------------



Our goal: To help the mourner gradually become able to make attachments and investments in other persons and things once again.

Mission Statement: The death of a loved one is unlike any other loss. Whether the death was sudden or tragic or one with warning and preparation, the reality of death leaves most of us in a state of shock, confusion, and sadness. The resulting trauma, pain, and the ‘roller-coaster of emotions can be made much more bearable with the help of others who have a shared experience.

Grief recovery is simply feeling better. It is the ability to find joy in life again. It is to treasure the memory of a loved one, to miss them and to live better because of the time in your life you spent with them, and to re-establish healthy relationships.

The Grief Support Ministry provides those who are mourning and grieving the loss of a loved one, an opportunity, and safe space to hurt, heal, and mourn.  If you have lost a loved one and need help and support through the grieving process, we are here for you.

"My expectations have been met beyond measure. The facilitators were comforting and compassionate. They truly know how to guide people during this difficult time of loss. The group was absolutely great, open to share and comfort each other." - Maria Lila Herrera

"I gained comfort, peace, and a possible roadmap through grief from this group. My expectations have definitely been met and more so. I've made friends who feel like family." - Amy Lanouette

"While I am not totally at peace, I have come a long way. I think I am still trying to accept that my wife has gone to be with the Lord, more importantly that she IS with God. I am very pleased that my daughter led me to this group. I want to express a BIG THANK YOU for all that shared their thoughts and to the moderators that led us." - Sam Edwards

Grief Share (English only) – A 13-week structured in-person Christian-based grief recovery program designed to help support and encourage all participants, particularly newcomers, through their grief, ultimately to find peace and healing. Every Wednesday in the Spring and Fall. At each meeting, participants work through one aspect of the grieving experience using a video featuring insights from Christian experts and a discussion of both the ideas presented in the video and those described in the workbook exercises.

The New Day Journal (English and Spanish) - A 10-week structured virtual walk-through of the four "tasks" of grieving, your new life situation, and how to plan for the future. Every Wednesday (English) and Thursday (Spanish) in the Winter and Summer. Additional sessions in the Spring and Fall for Spanish only. In each meeting, participants work through one element of the grieving process using prayer, reflection, sharing, and journaling.

Surviving the Holidays (English only) - A two-hour special event designed to help the bereaved through the difficult holiday season and other "firsts" of their new state in life. Held every May and November.

Loss of a Spouse (English only) - A two-hour outreach seminar designed to help grieving spouses understand that there is help and practical teaching available for dealing with their tremendous loss. Held every February and August.

Peer Support Discussion Group (English only) - A chance to share and receive support for those grieving the death of a loved one. First Monday of every month (excluding public holidays) in-person meeting. Contact us for details.

Peer Support Luncheon (English only) - Every third week of the month at various Katy venues (contact via email or text message).

One-on-One Peer Support (English and Spanish) - Let us know a little bit about yourself and your loss so we can have a peer (non-counselor, fellow loss sufferer) contact you to help you process the roller-coaster of emotions you are feeling. Contact us through the contact information at the bottom of the page.

We need generous and compassionate hearts with willing hands to answer the call to help facilitate the Grief Support Ministry program. Our seminars and support groups are led by people who have lost a loved one and understand the challenges people like them face. They know how important it is to be able to share our struggles and understand just how much words of loving support can mean to someone during the most difficult time in their life. They receive training in the use of GriefShare resources and are encouraged to take the pastoral care training provided by the archdiocesan Chaplain Corps.

Some resources you may want to check out if you are considering joining this ministry can be found below.

If you have suffered a loss yourself, you know how difficult and lonely the grief process can be. If you have the empathy to listen to hurting people and the compassion needed to help them recover from their loss and look forward to rebuilding their lives, this is a ministry you should be interested in. We are a group of compassionate lay people who understand how difficult the death of someone we dearly love can be. If you are a good listener with a caring heart who has lost a loved one, we need you to walk the grief journey with hurting people. Nobody should have to grieve alone and forgotten!